I THOUGHT SOMEONE WAS LEAVING A TICKET ON MY CAR—BUT IT WAS A $50 UNEXPECTED FIND
It had already been one of those days—late to work, spilled coffee, toddler meltdown. And then I saw the paper tucked under my wiper. Expecting a ticket, I groaned… but froze when I opened it.
Inside was $50 and a handwritten note:
“Your car lacks a front bumper, I noticed. Maybe this helps. Yours truly, Someone attempting to improve this year.”
I stood stunned in the parking lot. No cameras, no prank—just kindness.
Then, days later, another note appeared—different handwriting, same message. And a third, taped to my work desk, read:
“Sometimes people need reminders.”
That one hit deep. Slowly, I began to change—more patient with my kid, calmer at work. People seemed gentler. Life softened.
One day, I helped a woman struggling with her groceries. She handed me an envelope—another note, another $50. “Keep paying it forward,” it said.
Inspired, I made my own notes with $10 bills: “Be kind to yourself today.” I left them in carts, under wipers, around the store.
Months later, my sister sent me a photo—her friend’s friend holding one of my notes, smiling wide. He’d used the money to buy flowers for his mom with cancer.
I still don’t know who started the chain. But their small act reminded me: kindness spreads. Start small. Smile. Hold a door. Leave a note.
Because you never know how far your ripple will reach.
